Various ground ferns are currently busy unfurling fronds and sending out new growth. They look extra interesting at this stage.

This photo reminds me of a mob of meerkats...

Onoclea sensibilis, the sensitive fern sprouting wherever it wants, in between other plants, which we like!

Back in the day I used to collect Cordylines. Colder winters have changed that but I'm finding that spark again. This was one of our purchases last weekend and was simply labelled as Cordyline australis which is more than that. It reminded me of what I used to have called 'Eurostar'. More about this cordyline and my former collection in a future blog post.

Kalopanax septemlobus - we have several leaf forms in the garden and this one is what I unofficially call a 'Fatsia' leaf form

For more about our Kalopanax septemlobus collection with its different leaf forms check out my blog post about them - The Allure of The KalopanaxFor more beautiful foliage plants do check out Pam's blog!Mark :-)

25 comments
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Gorgeous foliage, and as usual, a handful of plants that I've never heard of. When I lived in Massachusetts we had lots of sensitive fern growing wild in our lawn. I am also glad that your Kalopanax wasn't killed by the fire. Looks like an interesting plant.

The longer we gardened, and the more serious we became, the more we valued the effect of leaf and form over flower in the garden. If we were to start all over again, we very much doubt that we should have much in the way of colour, apart from green, at all. It would be hard to do, but satisfying, we think.

Same sentiments here Jane and Lance. I know when we started we immediately went for mainly ornamental foliage plants but the more we get into gardening we appreciate them even more, with refinement in tastes of course :) or at least we think!

So much beautiful foliage! I'm hunting for Kniphofia northiae because that foliage is fab. You inspired me to get my first Kalopanax last fall and it's proven tough as nails by surviving our winter above ground in a small pot.

It's really exciting in your yard at this time of the year. Mine is starting out with some now. Well it did last week and then snowed on it. Yours is already looking great with all the new growth spurting up all over.Cher Sunray Gardens

Some great foliage here ! So full of promise, especially the fern fronds which look primeval. I take it everything has made it through the winter ? I don't think we have lost anything this year which is a great relief. Do you grow Tetrapanax ? That has made it through the winter with leaves intact, unbelievably!

hoopy frondiness, love the Jeffersonia diphylla, that has just gone on the ever expanding wishlist. I sometimes think your posts should come with a wallet warning ;-) Did you ever work out where you got the Scopolia carniolica from?

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